Candidate for
Council Member; City of Monrovia

Nothing ever stays the same: it either moves forward, or it falls backwards. Monrovia must move forward, continuing to attract and keep new businesses and new jobs. We must strengthen our position in the regional San Gabriel economy and be less vulnerable when the State comes calling to balance their budget at our expense.

We need leaders who can see the bigger picture. We are one of twenty-six cities in our region, and we must see ourselves as part of the larger whole, rather than as the small city east of Arcadia.

Our natural resources: our precious open space, our historic homes, and the fact that, unlike surrounding cities, we have a heart -- a town center -- for a community gathering place, already makes us different than our neighbors. As we develop, and redevelop; as we build homes, affordable and otherwise, we must continue to jealously protect these natural resources and keep our very special identity.

And although Monrovia has done more than any city I know to communicate with it's citizens, we can do more. We are still unequally divided by geographical areas, and by perceived social status. Our City Council must work harder, and they must work together, to include all segments of our community in the political process. And they must work harder to break down social barriers that make some Monrovia family members feel less valued.

It's time to revive that "All America City" spirit and celebrate our success together, and at the same time, put our collective heads together to plot our future. We can't do this alone.